HUGHTON: HARSH LESSONS LEARNED

15 September 2017

Paul Hazlewood Chris Hughton

Kieran Cleeves

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was disappointed with the two goals conceded against Bournemouth this evening, but urged his players to learn from another tough lesson in the Premier League.

Goals from Andrew Surman and Jermain Defoe cancelled out Solly March’s second-half opener, and despite being well in the game for large periods, Hughton challenged his team to learn from the turnaround at the Vitality Stadium.

He said, “Every game will be [a learning experience]. It’s a tough one today, because we were well in the game.

“There’s no doubt that they’re a very good team - particularly here, where they move the ball very well - but we had some really good phases where I thought we were reasonably comfortable.

“We’ll learn from each game. It’s an away game, a tough away game, but we’ll be back at home next week.

“We need to make sure that once we take the lead, we’re then resilient enough to hold onto it.”

The Seagulls went close to taking the lead before March’s opener, and Hughton wasn’t surprised when the winger put Albion in front, following a spell of pressure on Bournemouth’s goal.

“I thought the one before was in [Stephens chance], and it was a really good period for us. They had good possession and wonderful quality on the ball, but we were always very much in the game.

“We were always a threat and I can’t say it was a surprise when we took the lead. I thought the way we went about the game deserved something.

“But what we’re going to have to be is resolute in our defending and make sure we don’t make mistakes.

“Certainly from our point of view, it was two poor goals that we conceded, and we never looked like conceding before that. "

Cherries substitute Jordan Ibe came on and set up both of the home side’s goals in the second half, and Hughton acknowledged the level of player that Eddie Howe had at his disposal.

“That’s the sort of quality that they can bring on [Jordan Ibe]. With them being a team that’s playing at home, and conceding the goal that they did, it brings out more of an offensive prowess.

“They had to go for it a little bit more, and of course, they’ve got the players that can do that, particularly at home.”